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Related Experiment Videos

Using a passive alcohol sensor to detect legally intoxicated drivers

R D Foss1, R B Voas, D J Beirness

  • 1West Virginia University, Department of Sociology and Anthropology, Morgantown 26506.

American Journal of Public Health
|April 1, 1993
PubMed
Summary

Passive alcohol sensors can quickly and accurately screen drivers for intoxication, improving roadside safety. This technology enhances the detection of impaired driving and strengthens the impact of legal intoxication laws.

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Area of Science:

  • Forensic Science
  • Public Health
  • Traffic Safety

Background:

  • Roadside screening for impaired driving is crucial for public safety.
  • Existing methods for detecting blood alcohol concentration (BAC) can be time-consuming.
  • Accurate and rapid detection of intoxicated drivers is a public health priority.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the efficacy of passive alcohol sensors for mass screening of motorists.
  • To determine if passive sensors can accurately identify drivers exceeding legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limits.
  • To assess the speed and ease of use of passive alcohol sensors in a roadside setting.

Main Methods:

  • A voluntary roadside survey involving 1181 late-night drivers in Minnesota.
  • Breath measurements were collected using both a passive alcohol sensor and an evidentiary quality portable breath-test device.

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  • Correlation analysis was performed between the two devices and accuracy was assessed against various BAC criteria.

    • Main Results:

    • Passive alcohol sensors provided significantly faster and easier measurements compared to the evidentiary device.
    • A very strong correlation (r = .87) was observed between passive sensor readings and the evidentiary device.
    • The passive sensor accurately identified a large proportion of motorists above or below various BAC criterion levels with minimal false positives or negatives.

    Conclusions:

    • Implementing passive alcohol sensors at sobriety checkpoints can expedite motorist processing and reduce inconvenience.
    • The use of passive sensors is expected to substantially increase the detection of legally intoxicated drivers.
    • Enhanced detection capabilities may strengthen the general deterrent effect of per se alcohol-impaired driving laws.